Dive Brief:

• In Connecticut, two-thirds of the 3.2 million tons of municipal solid waste the state produces is incinerated by six plants, while 25 to 30% is recycled, according to an editorial published by The Courant.
• Referencing a 2010 study released by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the author says that most of the waste that is incinerated could actually be recycled: 27% is organics, 26% is paper and 22% is comprised of recyclables including metal, plastic and glass.
• The writer cites a recycling bill that would mandate that the majority of the state's waste be recycled instead of incinerated and landfilled: Bill 27,"An Act Concerning Connecticut's Recycling and Materials Management Strategy."

Dive Insight:

According to WestFair Online, the state of Connecticut estimates over $10 million in recyclables are incinerated at plants annually. The proposed legislation is an attempt to keep the state pushing forward to find contemporary solutions to handle its waste.